Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Check Your Hotel Information
• Method 2 of 2: Check in at the hotel
• Tips

Hotel check-in is usually fairly straightforward, but different hotels may have different rules. The preparation and check-in process itself may differ depending on which hotel (local or foreign) you intend to stay at, as well as how large and popular the hotel is.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Check Your Hotel Information

1. 1 Find information online. Before making a reservation at a hotel, check the website for information on accommodation, rooms, hotel location, list of amenities and other information.
   • If you do not have access to the Internet, call the hotel and ask the administrator about its location, noise level, and how far from restaurants and cafes it is located.
2. 2 Please note this hotel's cancellation policy. There are all kinds of surprises in life, so make sure you can cancel your reservation if necessary. Also inquire about the cost of cancellation.
   • Some hotels and hostels have very little amenities, so you may need to bring your own items such as bed linen, towels and drinking water.
3. 3 Take the card. Print out a hotel location map so that if you are in an unfamiliar location, you can reach your hotel.
   • It is a good idea to bring a large-scale map and a zoomed-out map showing the location of your hotel.
   • Decide in advance if you need to take a taxi to get from the airport or train station to the hotel, rent a car, or use public transport.
   • If you drive a car, find out in advance if it is possible to park your vehicle there, how much the parking costs and where it is located. Again, take your map with you!
   • If you are going to book a taxi, especially when traveling abroad, make sure you know the approximate cost of your trip to your destination so that you don't get fooled.
4. 4 Confirm your reservation before arriving at the hotel. It is best to do this a few days before departure.
   • Remind the receptionist of any requests you made when booking (for example, a shared room, a non-smoking room, a quiet room, a baby cot, etc.).
   • Confirm your reservation in advance - this will prevent any possible mistakes on the part of the hotel staff on the day of your arrival, and also back you up in case something does go wrong. Then you can negotiate the new terms with a clear conscience.
5. 5 Find out about check-in and check-in times. Usually all hotels (especially small ones) have an agreed check-in and check-in time.
   • If there is a sufficiently long interval between your arrival time in the city and your hotel check-in time, call the hotel and ask politely if you can check in early (or at least leave your luggage at the hotel). Then you could safely walk around the city!
   • If you arrive at the hotel too late (and if there is no receptionist on duty), please contact the hotel in advance to arrange your arrival.
6. 6 Make sure that the name you booked in, as well as the name on your passport and on your credit card, match. If the names do not match, there will be difficulties during registration (you may be denied registration altogether).

Method 2 of 2: Check in at the hotel

1. 1 Go to the reception. Upon entering the hotel, you will see the check-in area called the "Reception". It is at this counter that you can register.
2. 2 You need to bring your identification documents, proof of your reservation, and payment method (preferably a credit card with sufficient funds). Identification documents include a passport, driver's license, and credit cards.
   • If you are traveling abroad, the hotel administrator will make a copy of the first page of your passport (or leave your passport at the hotel for the duration of your stay).
   • It will be helpful to have a copy of your booking confirmation with you, especially if you are checking in at a special rate or promotion.
   • If you have not booked in advance, be prepared for the fact that you will have to look for another place to stay if this hotel does not have available rooms.
   • Most hotels will charge you for the full cost of your stay plus interest as possible damage, so it is best not to give your debit card.
3. 3 Pay attention to the amenities provided by the hotel. Be sure to pay attention to the location of the hotel, at breakfast time, internet access, Wi-Fi password, office space, halls, bars, restaurants, gym? spa and so on. All this will provide you with comfort during your stay at the hotel.
4. 4 Ask questions. The receptionist can offer you a map of the city with recommendations on which places to visit, what to do during your vacation.
5. 5 Take the key (s). Today, most hotels provide electronic keys (cards), but some hotels use ordinary metal keys. Sometimes you need to make sure that the electricity is working in the room.
   • Please note that you may be asked to leave your key at the reception - this is usually a standard procedure if there is only one key.
6. 6 Leave a tip to the service staff. If the messenger took your luggage to the room, be sure to tip him.
   • Some hotels have trolleys and luggage lifts, but some hotels have a bellboy lugging guests several flights of stairs! So be sure to tip him.
7. 7 Examine your room. Before you unpack and make yourself comfortable in your room, check everything to make sure the conditions match your expectations, that the bed is free of unpleasant odors, stains, and bed bugs!
   • Evaluate the cleanliness, check if there is enough bedding and bathroom accessories.
   • Check your closet for extra blankets and pillows.
   • If you are unhappy with your room, the view from it or the noise level, politely explain this to the administrator and ask to move you into another room. Usually, the hotel management meets the guests. If you cannot be accommodated in an alternative room, ask if you could be accommodated in a more comfortable room or in a room with a scenic view.
8. 8 Unpack your stuff and make yourself at home! Relax, unpack, take a shower and get ready to get some rest!

Tips

• Find out and remember the administrator's name.
• If you can, leave a tip to the service staff. When was the last time someone cleaned your bed for you?
• If you are abroad, where Russian is not spoken, communicate with the staff in English, clearly formulate and pronounce words and sentences so that the administrator can understand you more easily.
• Print out your booking confirmation and map if your hotel is not very visible on the map of the city where you are staying.
• Find out if the hotel has a laundry service, which will be especially helpful if you are staying for a long time and you are sure to have some dirty clothes accumulating.